Date:  Thursday, October 22, 2009

Contact: Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)
Trooper Rick Fisher (425) 256-0028 (WSP Commercial Vehicle Division)

OLYMPIA – When the 80, 90 and 100-degree days are replaced with wind and record-setting rain, it’s clear fall has arrived and winter is just around the corner.

WSDOT reminds drivers to know before they go and take the time to prepare for winter driving to help themselves, their passengers and fellow drivers stay safe and keep the economy moving. For winter driving tips, car preparation advice, and information about WSDOT’s winter operations go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.  

On the WSDOT winter web site you can also find out how the cheese production industry is linked to our winter operations, watch a tire-chain installation video, see photos from past winter storms, and sign up for mountain pass reports and other WSDOT e-mail alerts.

WSDOT Maintenance crews remind drivers that when there is ice and snow - take it slow. Don’t crowd the plow, and use caution around graders and snow blowers.

The Washington State Patrol reminds all drivers and freight haulers that Washington law requires commercial vehicles and combinations of vehicles more than 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to carry sufficient tire chains between Nov. 1 and April 1.

This includes some larger passenger trucks, SUVs, recreational vehicles and trucks hauling trailers. In addition it is important to emphasize when vehicles are required to chain up to do so in the designated areas. This will ensure the safety of our motorists as well as keep traffic moving.

The WSP will have a special chain emphasis patrol in early November, to ensure commercial drivers have the proper number of chains required. Drivers not carrying the proper number of chains, to include the spares, will be cited, turned around and not allowed to proceed until they are in compliance.
WSP troopers will strictly enforce the Nov. 1 deadline. Failing to carry chains will cost heavy-truck drivers $155.

WSDOT reminds drivers studded tires are only legal for use between Nov. 1 and March 31. Make plans well in advance to have studded tires removed by the end of March because WSDOT will not extend the deadline unless there are severe, statewide winter conditions. Motorists are encouraged to visit their tire dealers for chains and find out about tires that provide traction and are legal for use year-round.

Here’s what drivers can do to prepare:

• Get your car ready and plan extra time to cross all mountain passes, including heavily-traveled routes such as I-90 Snoqualmie Pass, US 2 Stevens Pass, and US 12 White Pass.
• Carry chains and know the traction and chain requirements - Mountain pass traction and chain requirements are available on the Web, highway advisory signs and highway advisory radio. WSDOT advises drivers to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio. When those advisories call for chains, drivers who don’t chain up will face a $500 penalty.
• Sign up for news and social media tools such as Twitter at www.wsdot.wa.gov/news.
• Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather and find weather forecasts and road temperatures throughout the state.
• Bookmark www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter for more information on WSP chain requirements, WSDOT’s winter programs, a list of frequently asked questions, car emergency kits and ways to prepare your vehicle for winter.
  
  
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